Sean McAllister ahead of Shrewsbury Town under-18s v AFC Wimbledon in the National Final

“We’ve scored the most, they’ve conceded the least - it’s going to be a real ding-dong battle.”

Shrewsbury Town under-18s host AFC Wimbledon in the National Final this Sunday as two of the country’s standout academy sides go head-to-head at the Croud Meadow.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm, with Sean McAllister’s young Salop outfit aiming to cap off an already remarkable campaign in style against a Wimbledon team who have also enjoyed huge success this term.

Both teams enter the game having won their respective leagues. They then picked up another title - with Shrewsbury winning the Youth Alliance North Final while Wimbledon won the Youth Alliance South Final.

Now both teams are set to lock horns for the prestigious final - with Town urging as many Shrewsbury fans as possible to head to the Croud Meadow and back the lads.

And McAllister is expecting a thoroughly entertaining cup final.

"The aim is to round off what has already been an outstanding season in style," he said.

"As a club we have never won our area league before. We created a piece of history there.

"And to then follow that up by winning the Youth Alliance North Final was a massive achievement.

“But we’ve got huge belief in this squad and hopefully they can finish it off in front of a good crowd on Sunday.

“If people want to see the next generation coming through, then come along and have a look.”

Sean said it would mean the world to everyone connected the club to see a bumper croud inside the Croud Meadow on Sunday night.

"Playing in front of passionate supporters is such an important experience for these lads," he continued.

“We had a great atmosphere in Cardiff last year when we won the PDL Cup and it really adds to the occasion.

"Whether it’s 500 or 1,000 supporters, the noise and support can make a massive difference.

“The lads will definitely raise everyone’s heart rates at times, but hopefully they can also show their composure and quality.”

There's no doubt that Town's under-18s side are used to winning this season.

But Sean knows Sunday's game is going to be a tough one.

“Wimbledon have had a lot of success this season as well," he said.

"They’ve won their league and the Youth Alliance Cup, so they’re definitely not a side we can take lightly.

“I think they’ve only lost one league game all season and they’ve conceded the fewest goals across all the leagues. We’ve scored the most, so it’s going to be a real ding-dong battle.

“It’s going to be tough, but I really believe in this group. This is a game I know we can win."

The success of our under-18s is even more remarkable when you look at the number of players the club has sent out on loan this season, while Will Gray and Isaac England have been with the first team for the entire campaign.

"To win the league was a massive achievement with the challenges we’ve had this season," Sean added.

"Honestly, I didn’t think we’d win it. If we’d had our full second-year group available all season, then I’d have expected us to be right up there.

"But we’ve had players out on loan, Isaac England and Will Gray involved with the first team all year, and a lot of lads missing at different stages.

“So credit has to go to the first years, the under-16s who stepped up, and even the trialists who came in and contributed. It really shows the quality and depth we’ve got at the club.

“A lot gets said about the second years and what they’ve achieved, rightly so, but the lads who’ve played the majority of the season deserve huge credit as well because they’ve helped us win this league.”

Sunday's match kicks off at 7.45pm and is open to all supporters.

Entry is free for Shrewsbury Town season ticket holders, while admission is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.